Anne McLaughlin, SNP MSP for the Glasgow region, welcomed the recent launch of the Scottish Government’s £2million boiler scrappage scheme. Householders are invited to apply for a £400 voucher towards the cost of replacing an ageing boiler with a modern fuel efficient model.

Fuel efficient boilers can reduce heating bills by around 25% or £235 pounds a year for a three bedroom semi-detached house. The scheme is being operated on a first come first served basis and it is expected that up to 5,000 households across Scotland will benefit.

Ms McLaughlin said: “Whilst we may have had some scorching weather of late, that doesn’t change the fact that many households struggle to raise the money to replace ageing boilers, and suffer the consequences. Inefficient boilers mean many households have higher fuel bills than necessary and investing in a new boiler will tackle this. I would urge anyone who may benefit to call the Energy Savings Trust on 0800 512 012 or to log on to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scottishboilerscrappagescheme

“There are environmental benefits too. In total the scheme is the equivalent of taking 2000 cars off the road, or about 5000 tonnes of carbon each year. The SNP Government is dedicated to tackling fuel poverty and improving Scotland’s environmental record- and this scheme does both.

“Calling the Energy Savings Trust and finding out about the scheme and the other assistance they offer could be very worthwhile for all families and households concerned about their energy consumption and fuel bills.”